Tension Ring: Wednesday’s Word(s) Of The Week
Just as a compression ring is used to link the tops of arches or rafters in a round structure so they can all lean against each other, the outward thrust of those members also needs to be restrained. A series of tie rods could be used, connecting the members in pairs across the building, but these would interrupt the otherwise open interior space.
Instead, the heels of each rafter or arch can be tied around the perimeter of the building, like a hoop around a barrel, keeping them all from spreading. Just like a hoop around a barrel, this ring must be continuous around the entire building.
In this photo, the beams that are one up from the bottom row (with the large steel connections) act as a tension ring for the structure.
*Wednesday’s Word Of The Week is a feature on Unalam’s Wood Times Blog. Each Wednesday our structural engineer, Rik Vandermeulen, will discuss a new term associated with glulam manufacturing. He will do this until we run out of words. If there is a timber or glulam term that you have heard of and want to know more about, let us know in the comments.
*Wednesday’s Word Of The Week is a feature on Unalam’s Wood Times Blog. Each Wednesday our structural engineer, Rik Vandermeulen, will discuss a new term associated with glulam manufacturing. He will do this until we run out of words. If there is a timber or glulam term that you have heard of and want to know more about, let us know in the comments.